Homeowner FAQs
Choosing the right system
Will it work in my home?
Provided the solar panels are positioned to capture the most sunlight possible (free from shading and, preferably, on a south-facing roof or ground-mount system), almost all homes are suitable for the installation of solar energy systems. Both flat roofs and tilted roofs are fine.
What size system should I get? Will it handle all my electricity needs?
A typical residential solar system is 6kW. The system size you choose is a trade-off between the amount of money you want to invest and the amount of electricity you want to produce. Review your electricity bills to see how much electricity your home typically uses, and remember that you can save money even if you do not cover 100% of your electricity needs with a solar system. A solar system will often help you to avoid using the most expensive electricity—moving you to a lower rate tier (with some utilities) and offering protection from future utility rate increases.
How much electricity will my BP Solar panels produce?
This depends on several factors, primarily system size, your geographical location and environmental conditions. To find out more, or to get a quote, contact your local Certified Installer.
What will a BP Solar system look like on my house?
Visit our product section to get an idea of what our panels will look like or check out the case study page and see for yourself how attractive a BP Solar energy system can be.
How it works
How do BP Solar panels generate electricity?
When sunlight shines onto our solar panels, the advanced technology transforms the light into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts the DC electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity which is used in your home.
How do I use the electricity from my BP Solar panels?
The electricity generated by a BP Solar system works just like the electricity delivered by your local utility. The system connects directly to your utility panel or circuit breaker box, so it interfaces seamlessly with your utility power.
How will I know if my BP Solar panels are working?
Solar energy is a motionless and silent technology, but you’ll see that it is working by watching your electricity meter and seeing the savings on your electric bill. In addition, your BP Solar Certified Installer may recommend a home monitoring system, which will allow you to keep closer track of how much power your solar system is producing.
Will I still need a utility provider? Do I need to be connected to the grid?
You will still need to be connected to the grid through your local utility. While you generate the bulk of your own electricity during daylight hours, your utility will seamlessly take over and supply your electricity at night and on very cloudy days. For remote, off-grid applications in which utility access is not feasible, stand-alone systems with batteries can be used.
What happens when the utility power goes out?
By law, any solar system without battery backup must shut down until utility power is restored. This is a safety precaution that prevents random surges of power from travelling the grid and causing injury or damage.
Performance and quality
How safe are BP Solar panels?
Solar panels have no moving parts and are virtually maintenance free. Testing and certifications agencies have confirmed the safety of our products, and BP Solar panels carry all appropriate electrical certifications. As with any high-voltage electrical equipment, you should always use care when handling solar system components, but as an owner, you will have no cause to do so – your BP Solar Certified Installer will take care of everything for you.
How durable are BP Solar panels?
BP Solar panels are very durable. The panels are fully weather resistant – including rain and hail - as they are made with special tempered glass (similar to the type of glass used in car windows) and coated aluminum frames. The panels are tested to withstand high wind pressures and snow loads.
How long do BP Solar panels last?
BP Solar panels are guaranteed to last 25 years. Our unmatched product reliability allows us to offer one of the best 25-year power output warranties available. We guarantee that your BP Solar panels will continue to produce energy for many years to come.
What happens at night?
Since solar technology requires sunlight to produce electricity, your system will not produce electricity during the dark hours of the night. Your local utility will continue to supply your electricity at night.
What happens on cloudy days?
Since solar technology requires sunlight to produce electricity, the bulk of your electricity production will take place in sunny conditions. Output is directly proportional to the amount of sunlight available at any given moment, so systems can generate 50 – 70% of their typical output under bright overcast conditions. Production will continue to diminish, however as less light reaches the surface of the panels.
Will the weight be too much for my roof?
Because there are so many different individual cases there is no standard answer to this question. However, if a roof is sturdy enough to stand on, then generally it should be strong enough to support solar panels. In many cases the roof tiles, that are removed to accommodate the panels are actually heavier than the panels replacing them.
In what temperatures will a BP Solar panels operate?
BP Solar panels operate in temperatures ranging from -13 to 122 degrees F (-25 to 50 degrees C). Since solar panels are electronic devices that generate electricity directly from light, not heat, solar panels actually work better in cooler temperatures.
Savings and costs
What is net metering?
Your BP Solar system connects to your main electrical panel. A meter tracks your home’s net energy usage, spinning forward when electricity is used from the grid, and backwards, generating a credit, when your system creates more electricity than you require. Net metering laws vary by state (and sometimes by utility).
Visit www.dsire.org to learn about the net metering policy that applies to you.
How much does a solar system cost?
The total cost for purchasing and installing the solar system is based on the size of system you require, the incentives and subsidies that are available in your area, and the specific details of the layout of your home.
You can think of an investment in a solar system as being similar in price to that of buying a basic new car. Rebates and lease deals may be available to reduce your up-front costs. Of course, unlike a car, your investment in a solar system will pay for itself over time through many years of clean energy production.
Contact a BP Solar Certified Installer for an accurate quotation
How much money can I save?
A solar system will save you money on your electric bill, but how long it will take for your investment to pay for itself will depend on your cost of electricity, the incentives available in your area, and the size and location of the solar system. Because a solar electric system will last 25 or more years, it also provides security against rising electricity rates.
Purchase and installation
How long does it take to install a solar electricity system?
After design and permitting are complete, it typically takes two days to professionally install the system on your home.
How do I purchase a BP Solar system?
You can purchase a BP Solar system by contacting your local BP Solar Certified Installer
What is the warranty on BP Solar panels?
Our excellent product reliability allows us to offer an industry-leading, 25-year limited power warranty on the performance of BP Solar panels*. We offer a 12-year limited warranty of 93% minimum power output and 25 year warranty of 85% minimum power output. We also provide a 5-year limited warranty that covers materials and workmanship.
View the BP Solar Warranty details
*For the majority of modules in our portfolio
